While women's healthcare extends far beyond reproductive healthcare, its politicization is harming women's overall health and well-being.
Leana S. WenRead
When I was 10 years old, my neighbor died in front of me of an asthma attack, because he and his family were undocumented immigrants and his grandmother was afraid of what would happen if they called an ambulance for help.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the significance of fear and the consequences it can have on life and death situations.
Leana S. Wen reflects on a tragic experience from her childhood, emphasizing the profound impact that fear of authority and lack of access to medical help can have on vulnerable communities. Her neighbor's death underscores how immigration status can lead to devastating outcomes when families are unwilling to seek assistance due to fear of deportation or other repercussions.
Themes
FearImmigrationHealthcareAsthmaHelp
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about healthcare access and immigrant rights.
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My parents and I entered the U.S. legally, but when it was time for our visa extension, we were turned down. Returning to China meant imprisonment for my father and persecution for my family. We were days from being forced to live here illegally when we were granted political asylum. Other families are not so lucky.
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